Parc Naturel Régional de Corse
GR20
Calenzana (north) to Conca (south), Corsica
Distance
180 km
Duration
15–16 days (full route)
Elevation gain
13,000 m
Difficulty
ExpertBest season
June–September (July–August for snow-free conditions on northern section)
Check current trail conditions
Track closures, snow conditions, hut availability, and safety alerts update daily. Always check before departing.
About this trail
Consistently rated the most demanding long-distance trail in Europe. The GR20 traverses the entire spine of Corsica from north to south through granite mountains, crossing over 50 mountain passes. The northern section (Calenzana to Vizzavona) is technically very difficult — granite scrambles, sheer drops, and exposed ridgelines. The southern section is more accessible but still challenging. Refuges (mountain huts) must be booked well in advance. An extraordinary landscape — Corsica's interior is remote, wild, and unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Highlights
- ✓Cirque de la Solitude (being rerouted 2024 due to rockfall risk — check current status)
- ✓Monte Cinto (2,706m) — Corsica's highest peak, optional side trip
- ✓Lac de Nino — glacial lake at 1,743m surrounded by high pozzines (alpine meadows)
- ✓Aiguilles de Bavella — dramatic granite needles in the southern section
- ✓Swimming in mountain streams and mountain pools throughout the route
🚌 Getting there
Fly to Bastia or Calvi (Corsica) from Paris, Nice, or Marseille. Bus from Calvi to Calenzana (trailhead, 12km). Exit at Conca — bus to Porto-Vecchio then flight home.
🛖 Huts & accommodation
15 refuges along the route (Ortu di u Piobbu to Paliri)
Facilities
- ·Refuges every 1–2 days with wardens and basic meal service
- ·Wild camping permitted next to refuges only
- ·No resupply on the northern section — carry food for 3–4 days
🎒 What to bring
- ·Scrambling confidence — the northern section involves hands-on exposed rock, not just walking
- ·Helmet optional but recommended for northern section rockfall zones
- ·Full waterproofs
- ·Tramping boots with good ankle support
- ·Via ferrata gloves for chain sections
- ·5 days of food at minimum (for northern section — no resupply)
- ·Trekking poles — essential for steep terrain
Hazards & safety
- ·The GR20 has a significant injury and fatality rate. The northern section includes genuine scrambling terrain — multiple fixed chains, vertical rock faces, and exposed ridgelines. Not suitable for beginners.
- ·Lightning: Corsican thunderstorms build rapidly in the afternoon. On exposed ridgelines, be off by 13:00 at the latest.
- ·Heat: southern section in July–August can reach 35°C. Carry 3 litres minimum on exposed sections.
- ·The Cirque de la Solitude section was rerouted in 2024 due to rockfall — verify the current route status before departure.
📋 Know before you go
- 1.Refuge bookings open in March for the following summer. July–August books out completely within days of opening — book the moment bookings open.
- 2.Most trekkers complete the route in 15–16 days but experienced hikers do it in 10–12. The northern section (days 1–10) is significantly harder than the southern section.
- 3.Fitness requirement: the GR20 requires a genuine high level of fitness and mountain experience. It is not a suitable first multi-day trek.
🚨 Emergency contacts
France Emergency
112
PGHM Corsica
04 95 61 13 95
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Official sources
Trail information here covers stable facts — distances, difficulty, gear, and what to expect. Current conditions (closures, snow levels, hut availability, permit quota) change regularly and must be checked at the official source before you depart.
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